Pastor's Message

April 29, 2001

THE EVER-CHANGING GARDEN

Like most gardeners, I check the various flowerbeds around church and rectory every day, sometimes several times a day. I am always amazed at the changes taking place. It reminds me of the ancient philosopher who, when speaking of change, said you can never step into the same river twice.

There are the obvious changes. The crocus gave way to the daffodil, which in turn bows to the grape hyacinth. The bleeding hearts start to bloom at the same time as the creeping phlox and the lilies of the valley and tulip. Each flower has its time and moment in the spotlight - or should it be "sunlight."

But there are other changes that I enjoy even more. The perennials are starting to push away the winter and emerge from the ground. The wild trillium that I transplanted from the woods last year is coming up under the dry leaves and starting to unfold its new leaves. The seeds thrown by last year's cleome are finding their place this year.

Gardens are not simply about what you can produce or grow. They are a microcosm of life. And life is all about change.

We change, too. Sometimes, as with children, change is clear and easy to detect. But adults change, too. Not to change is to stop living. Even our spiritual lives change. As we grow, we can emerge into new light from the Lord and bloom in ways never thought possible before.

Fr. Herb

April 22, 2001

CHICKEN SOUP

I was at the bookstore looking for the latest "Chicken Soup for the Soul" book, the one for the Gardener's Soul - because one of the stories was written by my brother - when I realized how many books there are in the series. There's soup for the souls of teenagers, couples, old people, young people, busy people, and more.

Actually, this series is a welcome addition to most people's libraries. After all, everyone needs a little inspiration and uplift once in a while. Good stories can keep us going.

What's more, I suspect the popularity of the series is a reminder that people's souls are hungry. Their inner spirits are crying out for nourishment. In the midst of rampant materialism and depersonalizing technology, people seek something that is about meaning and value of life.

Sadly, even as people long for sustenance for their souls, they often starve themselves. They stay away from church, from faith practices, from prayer, and from the sacraments - all of which could feed them. I have nothing against the best-selling books about Chicken Soup, but we already have food for the soul in our church...for anyone who hungers.

Fr. Herb

April 15, 2001

FROM THE WOOD

As I was walking in the forest recently, I came upon a large old tree that must have fallen years ago. It was rotten and looked close to falling apart. But it was also covered with brilliant green moss. At several points, there were ferns growing from the old bark. And at one place where there had once been a branch, now a young sapling was aiming towards the sky.

I stopped long enough to marvel at the cycle of life, how the old tree had become the source of life and nourishment for other forms of vegetation. And I thanked God for the wonders of nature that give us clues of God's own life-giving power.

At Easter our meditation is on life coming from death. As someone said to me last week, you can't really get excited about the resurrection of Jesus until you've meditated on the way he was nailed to the cross and died. The Christian paradox is not that we have life instead of death, but that we have life through death.

The wood of the cross, on which Jesus died, becomes the wood of life for us. Jesus rose to new life and offered that to us as well. This is the source of our hope and our joy. Rejoice today. And join me in thanking God for the wonders of nature that call our attention to God.

From all of us here at St. Peter's, Happy Easter to you.

Fr. Herb

April 8, 2001

WHAT'S IN A NAME

I recall quite distinctly a question I posed to my teacher when I was in the third grade. We were talking about Holy Week and going through the various days, when I asked why Friday was called "Good" Friday. I explained that if it is the day we recall the death of Jesus, then it is anything but good.

Fortunately, I had a teacher who was patient with me and willing to help me understand some very difficult concepts. Her answer, stated in very simple language but conveying profound insight, was that the event of Jesus' death was good for us. Our salvation flowed from Jesus' death on the cross, and that was a significantly important event.

As we enter Holy Week with special names for various days - Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday - we are challenged to reflect on the importance of this week. What we are observing is truly holy and the source of our Christian life.

What's more, we are not merely remembering some sacred events of the past. By liturgically praying through these various days, we are entering the events themselves. The story of Jesus' death and resurrection is our story. As we have been called to die with the Lord, we will rise with him.

May our observance of this week be a holy one.

Fr. Herb

April 1, 2001

FAITH FROM CHILDREN

For the last two weeks Fr. Dan and I have been doing individual interviews with all the children in this year's First Eucharist class. As the children come with their parents, some are nervous and a bit timid. Many are excited. And virtually all of them are enthusiastic about receiving Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time.

What I notice during the interviews each year is that the child's interest in the Eucharist starts to re-inspire the parents. As adults we can easily get distracted by work, every day problems, and other personal issues. In the process, it is easy to forget what is really important. When a child focuses on receiving Communion, however, that can be a reminder that Eucharist is the very center of our spiritual lives.

My prayer is that during these last five weeks before First Communion Sunday, all the parents and families involved will take advantage of the experience and renew their own commitment to Mass and the Eucharist. And for the rest of the parish, as these children join us at the table of the Lord, we can re-emphasize the value of Mass and weekly participation.

There are many signs of a healthy parish or a church full of vitality. The most important indicator, however, will always be how well the members of the parish come together to celebrate the Lord's death and resurrection in each Mass. That must be the source of our strength, unity, and love.

Fr. Herb